LENNY JOHNROSE has tragically passed away at the age of 52 five years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
The former defensive midfielder enjoyed a 16-year football career after coming through the ranks at Blackburn.
He had his longest spell at Bury between 1993 and 1999 and had an instrumental year at Swansea – and is still adored by Swans fans.
His goal on the final day of the 2002-03 season against Hull was enough to secure the club’s safety in the Football League and provided the springboard for their ventures into the Premier League.
After his playing career ended in 2004, Johnrose retrained and moved into primary school teaching in the north-west.
In 2017, he received the motor neurone disease diagnosis and a charity match was held the following year between Swansea and Burnley legends which ended 10-7.
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Dad-of-three Johnrose was married to wife Nadine and revealed his health had deteriorated in February this year.
He told Wales Online: “My voice is clinging on for dear life, with some of my words actually being decipherable.
“Oh, and I need to keep my head up to speak, which may explain why Nadine keeps taking off my neck support.
“The saliva puddle in my mouth is under some sort of control, although there’s still enough to make a cup of tea!
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“The legs are still fairly strong, and I’ve rediscovered slight movement in two fingers… And that seems to be it. So I’m still going strong-ish.”
Tributes poured in on social media following his sad death.
Burnley wrote: “Our thoughts are with Len’s family and friends at this very sad time. You’ll always be a Claret Len.”
Hartlepool, another of his former clubs, added: “We’re encouraging fans to join us in a minutes applause during the 52nd minute of tomorrow’s game against Tranmere Rovers in appreciation of Len Johnrose. A great man both on and off the pitch.”
Johnrose was a brilliant campaigner for research and raising awareness of motor neurone disease.
He encouraged the football family to take part in the #IceFoot92 challenge – standing in a bucket of ice water for 92 seconds – to raise money for the MND Association.
‘UTTERLY SELFLESS AND BRAVE’
The Len Johnrose Trust tweeted: “We are heartbroken to tell you that our leader, Len Johnrose passed away this morning.
“Len was an incredibly proud husband and father. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”
A Swansea fan account added: “R.I.P Lenny, a true warrior and one amazing person. You were such a nice, kind and humble person. You will be hugely missed.
“Thank you for the memories and thank you for being an inspiration. Our thoughts are with all of the Johnrose family.”
One commented: “To most of you, Len could have been a football idol.
“But for me he was so much more, he was the best teacher I’ve ever had, and really helped shape me into the person I am, he literally helped me learn right from wrong. My sincere condolences to his family and those who knew him.”
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Another said: “Heartbreaking. I recall his first appearances as a professional footballer. I don’t think his lovely smile ever left his face. What terrible news. God bless Len and his family.”
And a final user replied: “An utterly selfless and brave human being. Right to the very end, he was always the pinnacle of positivity and humour. RIP Lenny and shine bright pal.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
